When enzymes in the body break down the amino acid called L-arginine and convert it to L-citruline, a gas called Nitric Oxide (NO) is formed. This gas helps increase blood flow, getting more nutrients to body organs and muscles. For bodybuilders, this is important knowledge to have.
Muscles need nutrients in order to grow properly. When there are adequate nutrients and the muscles are stimulated, muscle size increases. The more nutrients you have available for your muscles to use, the more muscle mass you will gain. So, nitric oxide is vital to bodybuilding and gaining that ripped, toned physique that you’re looking for.
You may have a nitric oxide deficiency if you feel tired or weak when you shouldn’t be. This may be an indication that you need to take supplements to boost your NO production.
Supplements That Boost NO Production
Supplements that increase nitric oxide in your body are usually made up of amino acids, specifically L-arginine. There has been some controversy as to the safety and actual benefits derived from these supplements but they do not seem harmful unless taken in too high of a dosage.
Since gauging the appropriate dosage is difficult and seems to vary from person to person, you should try what is called tolerance dosing. Start with a small amount and see what it does. Increase a little each day until you have reached the maximum beneficial dosage for yourself…but be careful. If you take too much, you may experience some side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and weakness.
Nitric oxide is not only beneficial for bodybuilders. Everyone needs a certain amount in order to perform bodily processes and functions as well as to keep their organs running properly. Men with erectile dysfunction may also find NO supplements beneficial for helping to cure their problem.
L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (a more potent and more readily bioavailable form of l-arginine) has been proven to increase blood flow for prolonged periods which delivers more nutrients to muscles and extending the “pumped” feeling from resistance training. There is also evidence that AAKG my increase mental focus.
Critics of nitric oxide have presented arguments stating that the supplements are harmful. NO can produce free radicals, which can do the body harm. Critics also state that the supplements do not effectively increase the production of the gas since our bodies have built in regulatory systems to keep us from producing too much of it.
Conclusion
No matter which side of the debate you’re on, there’s no denying that there are benefits of nitric oxide for bodybuilders and others. Only you can decide if supplements to boost nitric oxide levels in the body are right for you, but it is definitely worth some consideration.
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